secret pal quarterly swap

[Marilynsgrammy]

Jules, I am sure the first swap will be a little wonky.. and there may be one or two that are late... but once we get on track and the late ones are asked to sit out it should run smoothly... hope you really think about it...thanks for your support....

xo

[QuiltGram8]

Chriss:
I think the quarterly SP makes a lot of sense. The postage is a big factor. Also, I agree with Carol/Kitty quilt. The feeling that
you have not sent enough is a bummer. The idea of homemade items, things you have around your house, that you don't need, sometimes we get freebies at certain places, anything that we can do to keep the cost down and still make a nice welcome gift is important. Most of all the letter to your Secret Pal is the most special as that helps us to get to know one another. Sharing ideas and quilt patterns is fun. Maybe Carol has a good idea to thank your pal without listing every single item. Then we wouldn't be opening the door for someone to feel quilty or to feel that they can't possible keep up with others. I like your strict rules. It's not fair to be late to mail. Howevery emergencies do come up for anyone. Being considerate
of others is the main thing.

Good Luck with this swap. I will probably wait until the May event to join, simply because of our travel dates and our mail forwarding situation. I hope that will be OK.

Thank you Chriss for being the new hostess. Teresa did a wonderful job, but I'm sure she will be happy to sit this one out.
Thank you Teresa for all your efforts and work.

Velda

[Marilynsgrammy]

Velda.. you have great ideas...

we won't list all the items we received.... at the end of the swap I will list who your pal was....

maybe in the thread we can say......I received my surprise and my pal was Velda....... or my surprise is on it's way to a state with an X in it....

I agree, we shouldn't feel obligated to spend a zillion dollars or feel bad if we spend $1....

I also like recycled gifts or home made gifts... and was even asked if we could swap gently used things like patterns or quilt books... or pre-washed fabric... Personally I like the idea of moving along something you won't use that someone else would like... I will add a yes or no question about this to my list of questions when we start the swap.

and girls.. that is where you come in.... what, in addition to the questions stuck at the top of this category, would be good questions? I would like to have them all ready to go so we can copy and past our answers when we sign up for the swap....

any more input please be sure to let me know.. there are no dumb ideas...

Chriss

[Marilynsgrammy]

Here's a question....

do you girls want to have a theme... like one quarter could be.. add a gift card or one quarter could be make a pot holder or a pin cushion....

let me know...I could even list the themes for the year... so you'd have a heads up?

[maryq]

Here's a couple idea for themes.

Gift Card... (you'd have to list hints of places you like to shop at or eat at, doesn't have to be fabric stores)

Pin Cushion

"recycle swap" hints would include a favorite color of course.. of if you're looking for something that somebody else might have on hand

Pot Holders are always good

Smaller tote bags... like something small to carry a lunch in.

Thread ... different colors

"kit" even if you don't make the complete project for a SP... a kit to make a potholder or a mug rug or even a tote bag or coin purse. Must include complete directions!

If I think of anything else... I'll add here
I'm sure something will hit me in the middle of the night!

[grannysparlor]

Sounds great with me!
THANKS

[girl]

Hi Chriss,
sounds like a good ideal a quartly swap. I like to add to the list. Take in consideration if some one has alergys to animals. A Nice letter or a card just thinking about you is great. Fur baby's are cute but, they tear me up. I like they emergencie Ideal as well. I been in other swaps and I know how it feels to be left out. Hey life is busy I know that very well. Oh yes Postage is going up this month. I like the strick rules!!

I like to add: How about the item has to fit inside your mail Box and not sitting on your steps or porch waiting all day!

[Marilynsgrammy]

Barbara... how are you.. and how is Richard doing.. it's so good to hear from you.

I will gladly add you to the swap, we will get started in the middle of Feb.... I will also be sure to add taht the package shouldn't be too big to fit into a mail box... the allergies will also be in the list of questions...great ideas...

take care,
Chriss

[girl]

Hi Chriss,
We been doing well, Richard had another surgery in Sept of 2012 and so far so good. We go back in March for more scans and see the surgion. Sprits are good. I'm thankfull he's with me everyday and we are making plans to attend one of the biggest fly event ever. Joe Nall in South Carolina. Richard has to eat small bites and has been holding his weight well and eats what ever he wants is what I tell the doctors and they are surprised. I'm doing fine, the lord guides me daily. I'v lost my job. You know I never ask why? But, I think its all good because I can care for Richard. I miss being on line here but, I do read often and glad you asked about me. thank you dear friend and I did get my friend ship quilt done and its on my couch and I cover with it alot and it will go with us on our big trip this year. Were not winter birds!!! Can't wait for spring.

[QuiltGram8]

Chriss,
Lots of great ideas coming forth. You are doing a great thing here. Quarterly and with a theme???? These are all pretty neat ideas.

Looking forward to this.

Velda